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[quote name='Frank' timestamp='1299906083' post='6685']

Hi Guys:



I am looking for a long focus lens for travel for my D700. I already have an AF 80-200mm f2.8 ED. It is a very good lens in terms of image quality, but it is a little bit heavy for travel. So, I am considering some alternative.



I have been considering for three lenses:



(1) AF 180mm f2.8 IF-ED. Its optical quality is super, the weight is reasonable. It cannot zoom, but this is probably not a big problem. However, the 180mm f2.8 is already covered by the 80-200mm f2.8, so having the 180 appears not to add anything to my lens set except a relatively light long focus prime.



(2) AF-S 70-300mm f4.5-5.6 VR II. I heard that this is a very good long zoom lens in terms of both image quality and flexibility. Although it is not a fast lens, it has a VR. 200-300mm is also an add to my 80-200. The price and weight are all reasonable. However, from several sites (including the test here) I read that the optical quality of this lens is not so good in the range of 200-300mm.



(3) Tamron SP 70-300mm f4-5.6 VC. There are only a few reviews on this lens on the website. Although overall this lens seems to be good, but it appears that its resolution is not as good as the Nikkor 70-300 VR. On this site I have not seen a test on Nikon cameras yet.



Any comments and advices are welcome.



Best regards,

Frank

[/quote]

Not sure where you got from that the resolution is not as good as the Nikon, every user account and review I have read states that the Tamron is a bit or a lot better at the long end, sharpness wise.



I would recommend the Tamron, as it is lighter than your 80-200, and more compact, yet gives you more reach. A nice travel companion. The Nikon 180mm f2.8 is nicer as longer portrait lens or something, but does not strike me as a typical travel lens.